At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the English department, driving curriculum and student success from KS3 to KS5.
- Company: High-performing secondary school in Newham with a strong academic reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative teaching environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: UK QTS, English-related degree, and proven track record in improving student outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 40317 - 62496 € per year.
A high-performing secondary school in Newham is seeking a Head of English from September 2026. This is a permanent opportunity for an experienced English Teacher to lead a successful department across KS3 and KS5, taking full responsibility for curriculum, outcomes and staff development within a well-established academic setting.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold UK QTS and an English-related degree
- Have a proven record of strong pupil outcomes at GCSE and A-Level
- Demonstrate the ability to lead, manage and develop a team effectively
- Maintain high expectations for achievement across all key stages
This school achieves consistently strong results, with a Progress 8 score above +0.4 and over 75% of students achieving grade 4+ in English GCSE, alongside a strong proportion attaining grades 7-9. A-Level outcomes are equally secure, with students progressing to competitive university courses. Systems for assessment, feedback and curriculum delivery are clearly embedded, allowing leaders to focus on sustained improvement.
In this role, you will:
- Lead curriculum planning with clear sequencing from KS3 to KS5
- Oversee assessment, intervention and progress tracking across the department
- Drive improvements in attainment through targeted academic strategies
- Develop teachers, including ECTs, through coaching and structured support
You will benefit from:
- Fully resourced schemes of work and centralised planning
- A collaborative department with shared moderation and consistent practice
- Dedicated curriculum time for reading, writing and oracy development
- Access to leadership CPD and subject-specific training
- Strong uptake and performance at both GCSE and A-Level
If you are an experienced English Teacher ready to step into a Head of English role in Newham from September 2026, this is an excellent opportunity to lead within a school with strong outcomes and a clear strategic direction.
Head of English employer: Ribbons & Reeves
This high-performing secondary school in Newham offers an exceptional environment for educators, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. With a strong focus on professional development, including access to leadership CPD and subject-specific training, the school empowers its staff to excel and make a meaningful impact on student outcomes. The supportive atmosphere, combined with fully resourced schemes of work and a commitment to high expectations, makes this an attractive opportunity for experienced English Teachers looking to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of English
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local teaching events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your achievements, lesson plans, and any innovative projects you've led. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your capability to lead a department.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your responses. Focus on how you would tackle challenges in leading a department and improving student outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to keep an eye on our listings and apply directly to increase your chances of landing that Head of English role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of English
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as an English Teacher. We want to see how you've achieved strong pupil outcomes at GCSE and A-Level, so don’t hold back on those success stories!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the specific role of Head of English. We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop a team, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t forget to let your personality shine through! Share your passion for English and education, and why you’re excited about the opportunity to lead in our school.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team in Newham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ribbons & Reeves
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum from KS3 to KS5. Be ready to discuss how you would lead curriculum planning and ensure clear sequencing. This shows that you understand the academic journey of students and can drive improvements effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or developed teachers in the past. Highlight your experience with coaching and supporting ECTs, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage and develop staff effectively.
✨Bring Data to the Table
Be prepared to discuss your track record with pupil outcomes at GCSE and A-Level. Use specific data points to illustrate your success in driving attainment and how you’ve implemented targeted academic strategies in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Talk about your experience with shared moderation and consistent practice within a department. Highlight how you’ve fostered a collaborative environment and focused on sustained improvement, which aligns with the school’s values.
